Wolf survey going on now

Finding wolf sign and reporting it is the first critical step in the equation. The next and equally important step is preserving the sign if possible.“Its really important to preserve the sign it at all possible,” Mastenbrook added. “Cover it up with something so it’s not disturbed.” If conditions are conducive to preserving sign, snap a photo if possible.

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By Mark Spencley

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

By Mark Spencley

Posted Feb. 18, 2013 at 10:21 PM

By Mark Spencley
Posted Feb. 18, 2013 at 10:21 PM

Cheboygan, Mich.

By MARK SPENCLEY

mark@cheboygantribune.com

CHEBOYGAN – Wolves have quickly moved to the top of the heap as far and northern Michigan’s natural food chain is concerned.

For the next month or so, the Department of Natural Resources will be conducting a wolf population survey in northern Michigan. The goal of the survey is to gain some insight into how many wolves inhabit the northern Lower Peninsula and what impact they have on the region.

To gather as much valuable information as possible, the DNR is relying heavily on public participation. Any animal sightings or potential sign should be reported to the DNR’s Gaylord office at () 732-3541.

“We need people to call in if they find any sign they think is from a wolf,” said Brain Mastenbrook, the DNR biologist.

Finding wolf sign and reporting it is the first critical step in the equation. The next and equally important step is preserving the sign if possible.

“Its really important to preserve the sign it at all possible,” Mastenbrook added. “Cover it up with something so it’s not disturbed.”

If conditions are conducive to preserving sign, snap a photo if possible.

Mastenbrook suggests taking pictures of wolf sign next to a ruler or something that would be helpful for judging size.

The keys to this survey being a success are people participating and providing valuable information. The later of those keys requires a little know how.

To be sure DNR biologists aren’t being called all over the state to look at tracks made by coyotes and neighboring dogs, its important for people to understand the specifics of wolf sign.

Jennifer Kleitch, a DNR biologist who plays a vital role in northern Michigan wolf research, and Mastenbrook have a few tips for identifying wolf sign.

Wolf tracks, the most commonly discovered sign, are about 3 inches x 4 inches, much larger than coyote tracks.

“Wolf tracks are big,” said Mastenbrook. “You’ll know it immediately. If there is any doubt, you’re probably looking at a coyote track.”

As their tracks indicate, wolves are significantly larger specimens than coyotes.

Despite the large weight discrepancy, physical size is hard to judge especially at distance. At greater distances, wolvesare more easily discernable by their longer legs and broad chest.

Using these indicators, area residents should be able to identify a wolf, either by visual confirmation or confirmation of sign. In either case, the information will be very valuable to DNR staff over the next month.